The Netherlands: Mandy Mulder & Coen de Koning
Mandy Mulder (28) and Coen de Koning (32) are representing the Netherlands at the Olympic Games in Rio the Janeiro 2016. Olympic Silver medalist Mulder ((Ynling – Bejing 2008) and De Koning (World Champion F18 in 2008 en 2009) both started sailing in the Nacra17 in December 2012.
At the ISAF Worlds 2014 in Santander the Dutch National Team qualified the country for the Olympics in Rio. In April 2015 Mulder & De Koning won the national selection for Holland by securing silver at the Sailing World Cup in Hyeres. Being the most successful couple within the Dutch National Team Mulder & De Koning will represent The Netherlands in Rio.
Since when have you been sailing together on de Nacra17?
We have been sailing together since the European Championship in September 2013. It was our first regatta together and immediately we became European Champions!
What was your biggest challenge as a team?
We have been dealing with a lot of injuries. Mandy injured her neck during an A-cat crash which resulted in 4 months revalidation. Coen broke his collar bone last year during a training on the road bike.
What is your best or most memorable result/win on your Road to Rio? Sailing, qualifying, mental, physically? Qualifying for the Games by becoming second in Hyeres is the most memorable. Our best result is winning the World Cup in Miami this year.
What do you like best about the Olympic sailing Venue?
That the conditions can change all the time and therefore you have really challenging racing. All the aspects of sailing come together. Speed, tactics, strategy and mental resilience. Everyone will have bad races so the winner will be the one he will keep his head high the whole week.
What will your last few months before the games look like?
Train hard on the Olympic water. The World Cup in Weymouth will be our last event and then we will be in Rio a lot to get in sync with the conditions there.
How and where can we follow you on your Road to Rio?
Website: http://www.drivenbypassion.nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drivenbypassion
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/mandy_mulder
https://twitter.com/Coen_DbPassion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coendekoningg
Pr Contact/Team Manager during the Olympics: Simon Keijzer – simon@marvinandmiles.com
